2.
 
with only Irish defense to oppose them and then dig themselves into 
 
these stone villages it would take an awful lot of doing to get them
 
out. The only possible defense, operating as we must from north of the 
 
broder,  are swift tank forces formidable enough to snuff out the 
 
separate attacks before they get organized. As there are six or eight
 
areas which would probably be attacked simulatneously there must
 
be overwhelming tank strength for each area. Of course, accessory to 
 
this is a fighter air force capable of coping with perhaps a thousand
 
bombers and transport planes at one time in eight different areas.
 
If the Russians maul Hitler badly there is all the note reason for him
 
to try for a knockout blow like this. However, don't have to tell 
 
you about that. All I can tell you is that I do not think that the
 
British have any realization of the danger they are in. They are still
 
thinking in terms of invincible sea power.
 
    I am going to feel out xxxxxx the Irish Defense ministry on the 
 
following proposition: "If I can get you a squadron of Hurricanes will 
 
you lay out a program of advanced base landing fields which will en-
 
able Defense planes from Britain and Northern Ireland to operate over
 
the Cork and Foynes areas . I think we must swallow De Valera's protest"
                                sweeten                                            
and make a token gift to/\ the Irish people which the Germans will
 
know about . A few airplanes would do this best. If the Irish got ugly
 
we have only to stop their gas. You can attend to Dev. later on. 
 
German propaganda is spreading the story of our intending to invade 
 
Eire industriously. We should do something to counter it without
 
 
much delay.